Job Discussion Forums

[timothypfox]

I posted back in April this year about moving from Japan to Europe. This post is a bit of a rehash of the same information with a few more details, so I apologize for those who addressed my questions last time. Maybe my new information will inspire more discussion though.

Here is the original link:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?p=1085242&highlight=europe#1085242

Once again a little about me:

- US and Canadian citizen (dual passport holder)
- New York State Teaching Licence in TESOL (K-12 all subject areas)
- additional New York State Teaching License in Dance (K-12 - it's really only for creative dance)
- MS in TESOL
- MA in Diplomacy and International Relations (with a focus on European institutions and European educational law)
- BA in Anthropology
- BA in Dance
- 3 years as an English speaking and writing teacher at a private Junior and Senior high school in Japan
- 5 years as an ESL teacher in a New York City high school
- 10 years of addtitional (previous) teaching at private language schools in Montreal, Kyoto, Osaka, and New York City
- Language skills: English (Native), Japanese and French (Basic travel with ability to do exchange basic information / small talk)

And, now for my question:

What countries would I most easily be able to work in? What types of schools? (I'll need a job just to support myself - but preferably a job that would allow me to work long-term and send $200 back a month to the US to pay for my student loans).

I understand there are possibilities at private international grade schools in all countries (provided they need an ESL teacher - very rare need though and visa preference probably would go to the easier processing candidate from the UK - I don't have MYB or International Baccalaureate credentials or experience though).

Are there schools in Europe that want someone with a North American accent?

Are there schools in Europe that are more relaxed in their association with the EU and therefore be interested in hiring me? (Would I be better off looking in Poland or Russia, or are countries like Finland, Spain or Italy options?)

Sorry for being long-winded here, but any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Sashadroogie]

Accent is not relevant.

Come to Russia.

[timothypfox]

Thanks for the speed and conciseness of your reply! I have started up my inquiries over at the the Russian & C.I.S. forum. Please stop by for a visit!

[spiral78]

Finland, Spain, Italy, no. Ditto Greece, France, Netherlands, Belgium, (probably Luxembourg; you might check current regulations on this). Unless you find one of those rare international school jobs, or an (equally rare) university gig. There are lots of MA TESL/TEFL holders on the job market, many from the EU, so little chance that you'll get in on quals alone.

Further, your experience in Asia won't count for much; employers are fairly wall aware that it's a very different kind of teaching than what is required in Europe.

Germany (freelance; see more on this on the German board). Poland, the Czech Rep, Slovakia, yes. But sending 200 usd home monthly will be a challenge.

Russia. Yes.

[timothypfox]

I like you folks on the the European boards! Straight to business with a careful balance of irony and cynicism. Spiral 78 thanks you also for your prompt information!

How about amazing places such as Latvia or the Ukraine for one such as me? Or, is it as Sashadroogie has already determined... the decision is already made and I WILL go to Russia?

[Sashadroogie]

Straight to the point, yes. But there was little irony nor cynicism the above posts. As Spiral has said, write off most of Western Europe because of EU visa regulations. Employment possibilities for newer Eastern EU members probably won't pay that much, so even saving 200$ monthly may be a stretch. Latvia is a lovely little country, but I do not know much about the working conditions there. The Ukraine is a great place for trips and holidays, but again, not sure how much one could save there. Only Russia promises good pay and other benefits.

One thing to remember though is that universities generally pay the worst in nearly every Eastern European country. The opposite to the rest of the world, perhaps, but worth bearing in mind. Private schools, institutes, international schools etc. are the way to go.

You have no options really. Russia is calling you. Resistance is futile.

Welcome.